The pharmacist as a provider of primary care

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy practice
• Primary health care
• Community health services

Background:

• Pharmacists are increasingly recognized for their role in primary health care.
• Understanding the scope of pharmacist-led interventions is crucial for healthcare planning.
• Previous research has not fully detailed the primary care functions performed by pharmacists in specific regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the primary health care activities of pharmacists in London, Ontario.
• To quantify the volume and types of patient problems managed by pharmacists.
• To identify the nature of advice provided by pharmacists in a primary care setting.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among pharmacists in London, Ontario.
• Data collected included the volume of primary patient contacts.
• Information on the types of health problems addressed and advice given was recorded.

Main Results:

• Pharmacists make substantial contributions to primary health care.
• Neighborhood pharmacies were identified as the most active sites for these interventions.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) drug recommendations were used to resolve 80% of all patient-reported problems.
• Pharmacists appear confident in managing these primary care issues.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacists are integral to primary health care delivery in London, Ontario.
• The predominant use of OTC recommendations indicates a significant role in managing minor ailments.
• A potential conflict between the professional and commercial roles of pharmacists warrants further investigation.